Privaat Hollandsch Toneellievend Gezelschap

(1844 – 1846- 1855; 1865-1910) One of the longest lasting of Dutch amateur theatre society formed in Cape Town 1844 from the amalgamation of Tot Nut en Vermaak and Door Yver Vruchtbaar. Their motto was Door Yver Bloeit de Kunst (under which name they were also known). First production Natuur en Pligt (Volmeranges) and De Dronkaard (Kotzebue) was held on 5 June 1844 in the Roeland Street Theatre. Unlike the English companies at the time the Dutch allowed actresses in their company. The company received good reviews throughout 1844/5. Finally on 2 November 1846 it was announced that the company would stage its last production, reason being insufficient support from the Dutch community. De Baron van Felsheim (Bernos) and Uilenspiegel (Kotzebue) was its last performance. According to Binge however, the final presentation was only on 28 June 1855. ??**, while Bosman has the following story: They re-emerged in 1848/9, under the leadership of J.C. Combrink. Now included actresses. In June 1855 it closed down for ten years, because no suitable vanue was available. In August 1865 it was once more resuscitated by Combrink, and it entered a very busy and influential period, performing at a variety of venues in Cape Town, Paarl, Stellenbosch, even Robben Island. Its final production was a rather dated performance of Het Geheim by A de Bruine on 4 June 1910 at the Good Hope Theatre. They often performed for charity and offered benefits for captains and officers of visiting ships.

Sources

Bosman, 1928; Fletcher, 1994; Binge, 1969; Du Toit, 1988 [TH, JH]

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